FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2013: Seniors to lead Lenawee Christian under Wilharms

Thursday

Aug 29, 2013 at 1:00 PM

By Lucas RainsDaily Telegram Sports Writer

The Lenawee Christian football program will undergo a lot of changes in the upcoming season. A new coaching staff and new offensive and defensive schemes are the most prominent differences from a year ago.

Last season, the Cougars finished 4-5 overall and 3-3 in the Southern Central Athletic Association. They started the season 1-4, but won three of the last four games. The highlight of the season was when they scored 74 points against North Adams.

Bill Wilharms, former coach at Madison, will aim to build on the success LCS had last year. Former Sand Creek assistant coach Mark Carlton will join him to run the defense.

After the team's first week of practices, Wilharms has been pleased with the progress of his players.

"Practices have gone extremely well," said Wilharms. "We are installing a new offense and defense, and our players are picking it up really well. We are ahead of where I thought we would be at this time."

LCS benefits from strong senior leadership, as well as a handful of returners from both sides of the ball.

"We have a great group of seniors who we are building around," Wilharms said. "That's the biggest thing for us."

While Wilharms is confident in his team early on this season, there are still some things they need to work on.

"Finding depth at the offensive line positions is my biggest concern at this point," said Wilharms. "We have the skilled guys, but just don't have many of the big fellas. The ones we do have are good; we just don't have a lot of them."

On the offensive side of the ball, the Cougars will return five starters, including the county's leading scorer from a year ago in Grant Hohlbein.

Wilharms praised Hohlbein and mentioned how much he has improved from last year. Hohlbein got moved around a lot on offense, but this year he will be the starting quarterback.

Last year, he rushed for 576 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 24 passes for 345 yards and four TDs.

"Grant's throwing mechanics have come a long way," said Wilharms. "We've got coach Kyle Timmis on staff who played at both Adrian (College) and Siena (Heights). He has done a great deal with him."

Hohlbein will be looked upon to make plays, as well as get everyone else involved.

"You'll see a vastly improved Grant Hohlbein this year," Wilharms said. "I think he can be a lot better than last year even. He's going to be able to get the ball to all the different offensive weapons that we have."

Wilharms highlighted some of the options the Cougars will have on offense.

"Brad Harrah and Chris Hinkley will be splitting time in the backfield for us in our spread offense," said Wilharms. "Austin Eagan is a quick, tough kid who will have a lot bigger role this year playing wide receiver for us."

Wilharms envisions the new spread offense to be 60 percent run and 40 percent pass depending on how things go.

On the defensive side, Carlton is also implementing a new system. Six returners, including All-State linebacker Brad Harrah, will anchor the LCS defense.

Harrah led the county in tackles per game with 16.9. Hohlbein will play the safety position, where he averaged 10.9 tackles per game. Wilharms said that Eagan will play the other safety position.

On the offensive and defensive lines, Wilharms is confident in the group he has.

"Danny Schwartz, Jake Baker and Mark Baker are guys on our both of our lines," said Wilharms. "You can build around those guys."

Wilharms is optimistic heading into the season, and his primary goal is to stay competitive.

"We hope to stay healthy and keep up the intensity all season," said Wilharms, "and give the teams in our conference a lot to think about and a lot to worry about."